342 - Connections
Looking around, I wondered if they were actually alive or simply summoned from the records...
The surroundings had grown dark, but the moon was beautiful tonight. Bonfires had been prepared, though they might not have been necessary.
As I scanned the area, I spoke.
"I can't tell who is who."
Some were embracing each other in tears, while others were laughing together. Monica and the Valkyries were also incredibly busy preparing for a banquet, blowing away the rubble.
A declaration of victory was being made, but the other armies surrounding Central were in utter chaos because the same phenomenon was occurring among them.
Regardless, we won. —And it has been declared that it is over.
The former king of Fanbayle looked at me with indignation, then agonized, and finally returned to the Fanbayle main camp to vent his frustrations, saying he entrusted Rianne to me.
Looking only at the results, the surrounding armies suppressed the overflowing dead soldiers, and my main camp and some units launched an assault on Central... though it was mostly people from the memories revived by my skill [Seventh].
General Broa, Baldoor, and Maxim-san were among those who came over seeking various explanations. Maxim-san was with a knight clad in black armor. Perhaps they were best friends? They were currently talking to each other.
"What, you still haven't confessed? You're the adjutant of such a massive army. You shouldn't need to worry about being a subordinate vassal anymore."
Facing the black knight, Maxim-san looked happy, yet sad.
"I know. I know... but, I... right now, I wanted to apologize to you. Back then, I couldn't even rush to your side..."
The black knight gave a small laugh at the regretful Maxim-san.
"Serious as always. But it was good that you didn't come. I understand now. Your judgment wasn't wrong. It was right to take Lady Adele and try to oppose Celes. So, stop crying. It's unsightly for a man to cry."
"I know that! But I have to say it. All this time... I'm sorry. I'm sorry!"
The black knight lightly patted the back of the weeping Maxim-san to comfort him. Meanwhile, dishes were being brought one after another to the makeshift tables.
Meat dishes were the center, and some dishes used the food supplies they had brought. Well, things had been settled earlier than planned. There was no problem using them.
While I watched those scenes, around me...
"Whaaaat! Over ten concubine candidates!? What on earth did you guys do to end up like that!"
"Even I'm surprised. Why did you increase them that much? Lariel's going to wither away."
"Well, it was a calculation error on my part. I thought I could still handle it, but that lineup might actually be too tough. But I think there'll be more."
"Rather than envy, I'm starting to feel worried. Just as the Second Generation said, he'll wither."
"...The cause of death will undoubtedly be women, huh. Not funny. The First Generation isn't funny at all."
"Is Lariel the same as me?"
"I think he's different from the Sixth Generation? By the way, we've been receiving stares for a while now, haven't we? You don't have to force yourself to stay here."
When the Sixth Generation told the Seventh Generation, "Don't abandon me!", everyone laughed. They had been excitedly discussing me for a while now.
Then, Aria, who was being worked to the bone, brought food to our table. Behind her was the figure of the heroine who was the First Generation's wife.
—I can't help but think. Because this person was the First Generation's wife, the tendency for the wives of subsequent generations was decided. I think it would have been fine if more modest people had gathered.
Then, the First Generation's wife spoke.
"Now, stop making a fuss and look over here. Since he seems too shy to even hold a conversation, I brought her. Make sure you say it properly."
Say what? Asking that would be tactless. The First Generation's wife had brought Aria. She seemed to understand everything.
As the First Generation stood up, he looked shy in front of Aria.
"H-hey! How are you, Aria-chan?"
Aria, who was being worked to the bone just because she had been summoned, looked troubled. After all, Aria had never met the First Generation.
Then, the Fifth Generation stepped in to help.
"This old man is the First Generation of the Walt family. He's Basil, from the story about the red jewel of House Rockword I told you before. Aria... he's been concerned about you ever since he met you. Please be his conversation partner."
Aria looked troubled, but she nodded. She must have understood.
"Come to think of it, I had a conversation with Lariel about that at Central... Um, I'm Aria."
"I-I'm Basil. With my ancestor, it's... Huh? Hey, what's this story about a red jewel?"
The Third Generation spoke excitedly.
"Actually, it seems Alice-san was also concerned about the First Generation. But since she couldn't bring herself to speak to him, she bought a red jewel as a gift. Then, because she couldn't even give that, the women of House Rockword passed it down through generations. Amazing, First Generation. Just as you said, it was fate."
The Third Generation explained with a smile, but the way he spoke knowing full well the details was quite devious. I think there are some things better left unknown.
"Heeeyyy!! Then, something! If only I had spoken to her!"
The Second Generation replied coldly.
"There was a possibility. A possibility, at least."
I called out to the troubled Aria.
"Pour him some drink. He looks like that, but he's actually quite delicate."
"I-I understand, but... what is actually going on with this situation?"
The one watching Aria go to pour the drink for the First Generation was the First Generation's wife. With her hands on her hips, she looked at the First Generation and smiled slightly.
I spoke to that heroine.
"Um, is this okay?"
"It's fine. He worked that hard when he was alive. Whether it's a record or whatever, he deserves a reward."
Then, Mei, who had lost one arm, brought drinks accompanied by Marina-san. She waved to the Fifth Generation, her face a bit redder than usual.
"Fredricks!"
"Mei!"
The Fifth Generation immediately stood up and rushed to Mei's side. He took the things Mei was carrying and returned here.
The Sixth Generation looked at the Fifth Generation with a complicated expression. Then, the heroine looked at Marina-san.
"Alright, you come too. I don't know why, but I like you!"
"Huh? I'm about to drink. Don't just do whatever you... Hey! What's with this strength! L-let go!"
I waved goodbye as the powerful Marina-san was dragged away by the heroine. Then, the Second Generation's wife came to our table.
"Now, everyone! You probably hate dishes that are just too salty, so I've made a variety of things! Crassel, I have the soup you love. Slay, your big brother Dewey is helping out, yet you're fine just lounging around here?"
Looking over, Dewey was beside the Second Generation's wife. He was holding serving plates and such.
The Second Generation received the soup while remaining wary of the First Generation's wife.
"Ah, this helps. Only salty food is tough. I really loved this."
The Third Generation looked away while speaking.
"I have things to talk about. Like teasing Lariel, who's been taking care of us, or teasing the others. After all, I'm the only one who died in battle and hasn't enjoyed life."
Dewey smiled.
"Slay worked hard. It's okay to sit."
After seeing the kind boy Dewey, everyone turned their gaze back to the Third Generation. The Third Generation looked troubled, sweating.
"...Brother, could you stop helping around that much? I'm starting to feel awkward."
Following that, the Third Generation's wife also brought food. Vera was with her.
"Well, we have enough hands. Please relax."
Vera, perhaps caught by the Third Generation's wife, looked at me.
"I don't know what's happening, but I'll go help... see you later, Lariel."
"Y-yeah."
Watching the women and Dewey return, we let out a sigh. Only the First Generation was grinning while looking at the drink in his cup. He's simple; I'm envious.
The Fourth Generation took off his glasses and wiped them with a cloth. It was the same scene I had often seen inside the Orb.
"However, it's good that only family saw this. Well, from the outside, it probably looked like something appeared after the victory and ended in a lovers' quarrel. In the end, it'll probably be recorded that we slew that dragon."
The Legend Dragon — it was decided that it would be passed down as a powerful enemy that stood before us. I felt a little relieved. Since the Legend Dragon had been treated so poorly, I thought I'd let it leave its name in history as a powerful enemy at the very end.
Then, I saw a petite woman running toward us holding a golden scale. Behind her were the Fifth Generation's wives and many men and women. They were the Fifth Generation's children.
Mireia-san was there too. She was being complained to by her sisters, but she kept a cool face.
"Playing the innocent act again."
"Show your true colors, you devious woman."
"What are you talking about? Oh, Lariel~, you worked hard!"
Mireia-san waved at me. Then, the petite woman, the Fourth Generation's wife, came toward me.
"Lariel! Look! Look at this! It's a scale from that dragon, and it's definitely an amazing material! Since it regenerates, I've secured a decent amount! I'll preserve one full set and use the surplus for thorough research. And... leak a little bit to others. Once the people around understand its value, the value of this material will rise as something precious. It won't be obtainable for a while."
As expected of the Fourth Generation's wife, she was strict about money. The Fourth Generation smiled as he watched her hold the scale preciously. They're a couple who loves shiny things.
Then, I was surrounded by the Fifth Generation's children.
"So this is the heir of the main line."
"What, he seems unreliable."
"Well, isn't it fine? Besides, it seems he's becoming the Emperor."
"Make sure to promote our grandchildren and great-grandchildren too."
"Poor thing, having to deal with Mireia. She was terrible, wasn't she?"
Things became noisy around me. And the Fifth Generation, who had Mei sitting next to him, also drew attention.
"Father, for once at the end, do something about your love for animals."
Those were the words representing the children. Looking at the Fifth Generation, the animals he had kept were by his side before I knew it. Surrounded by fluff, the happy Fifth Generation spoke.
"I refuse."
He answered instantly. Around the Fifth Generation, his wives were lining up food and drinks, whether they were alive or not.
"Honestly, you haven't changed at all."
Upon being told that, the Fifth Generation turned away, his cheeks flushing red. In contrast, looking at the Sixth Generation's surroundings...
"Did you hear? Apparently, he has over ten great-grandchildren. Broad, say something."
"I wonder whose influence that was?"
"Fines... won't you look this way?"
The Sixth Generation was being attacked persistently. He was too contrasting to the Fifth Generation. How did it end up like this... it's probably his own fault.
Then, the Seventh Generation noticed Grandma Zenoa bringing my father and mother.
"Oh, you've come."
"I've brought them. The couple of the Eighth Generation who messed up. Lariel, come here."
Looking at my father, who was being worked to the bone, and my mother, I felt conflicted. I wanted to help, but neither of them desired it.
Facing my parents in front of everyone, both were crying. My father hid his eyes with his hand.
"...I'm sorry. We caused you trouble, Lariel."
Even if he says it while wearing an apron... Well, I don't hold a grudge anymore, so I gave them a smile.
"It's okay. I understand the reasons. So, I'm fine. Both of you, please be at ease."
My mother looked at me, clutching her skirt with both hands, tears spilling over. Even though the two of them came out, Celes did not. She must have truly hated me.
"I'm sorry. For being such failure parents... for being a failure of a mother, I'm sorry."
As I was embraced by the two of them, tears came to my eyes. Looking around, my comrades had also gathered. Baldoor and Bale — the knight I had admired — were standing side by side, watching the scene.
"Lariel-sama, this is wonderful."
"...I wanted to make this happen while I was alive. But if I had lived, the Young Master... no, Lariel-sama would have suffered."
Then, General Broa stood up.
"I will summarize the details and notify the surrounding armies. Well, I can't tell them the truth. It really seems we've dealt with a legend. It's as if I'm dreaming. Besides, we'll need people to watch out for any armies thinking strange things."
I watched General Broa walk away. He's a reliable man.
Yes, a dream. This is an illusion. An illusion created by my skill. But...
Looking at the Orb, the light had grown weak.
The First Generation clapped his hands.
"Line up, you lot! Is the drink finished being distributed? Is the food distributed? Then, a toast!"
The Seventh Generation looked at me worriedly.
"Lariel, will you have tea or something?"
Given the atmosphere, I decided...
"I'll have alcohol. Well, I've become stronger than before."
By the time I returned to my seat, everyone, including Novem, was gathered. The First Generation seemed to be leading the toast. Looking around, the knights and soldiers had also formed many groups in front of drinks and food. Some had already begun.
No, our group was probably the last.
"Now then... what should we toast to? Lariel's victory, or..."
The Third Generation spoke with a grin.
"There's Lariel's marriage, victory, and various things, but let's just toast to Lariel. He's the prodigy born of the Walt family. It'll be difficult for another talent surpassing Lariel to appear now."
In what sense is he saying that? Well, since it's the Third Generation, it's probably related to Lariel-san.
The Second Generation agreed, though he looked exasperated.
"True. Let's toast to Lariel."
The Fourth Generation also put on his glasses.
"Indeed. You worked very hard. Truly..."
The Fifth Generation also had a rare smile.
"Yeah. Maybe it's because I've watched you all along, but you worked hard. Lariel, you worked hard."
The Sixth Generation looked a bit unsatisfied.
"I wanted to teach you more about drinking and playing. Lariel, learn how to relax too."
The Seventh Generation looked at me and nodded.
"As I thought, you were my pride and joy of a grandson. Now, Lariel."
As the First Generation raised his cup, everyone raised theirs. Novem brought me a cup filled with alcohol. Receiving it made me feel a bit shy. Novem saw this and laughed.
"Then, to Lyell Wolt — Cheers!!"
Everyone shouted "Cheers" and drank. I drank the alcohol in one go... perhaps being considerate, Novem had diluted the drink. It was easy to drink.
"...Phew."
I slumped down as if collapsing. Then, the surroundings were enveloped in a blue light. The blue light turned into particles and sparkled as they ascended into the sky. Watching that scene, tears flowed. They overflowed and I couldn't stop them.
Not just Central. Blue light ascended from the surrounding areas as well. Looking at the sky, the moon was beautiful. The light ascended as if heading toward that moon.
I heard the sound of cups being set down around me.
The last thing I heard was...
— You worked hard, Lariel —
Those words. Setting down my cup, I hid my face with my right hand. There were people who had watched over me all this time. And many people who had helped me.
I believe I am in this place because those people existed. There are many people I was involved with, and then there is the one person known as me. I'm sure I will also involve myself with those around me... and become such a person.
And by involving myself, I will entrust it to the next generation...
I heard approaching footsteps. It was Novem.
"Lariel-sama. Everyone is already—"
While desperately enduring my crying, once the light vanished, I looked down and gripped the Orb. There was no reaction like before. I felt the light had disappeared. It had returned to being a mere Orb. Gripping that Orb preciously with both hands, I let out a sob.
"I... know... sorry, just for now... sorry. I'm still a crybaby."
Miranda and Shannon were the ones rubbing my back. Aria brought me a towel. Mei was looking up at the sky. She seemed to be crying. Vera was giving instructions to the surroundings, telling everyone to stay put.
Monica was also carefully collecting the cups. Clara helped her, and Ludmila, Glacia, and Eliza looked exhausted, but they looked lonely as they surveyed the surroundings.
Eva drank some alcohol and sang for me. It was a sad song of parting. However, it was also a song saying that there are new encounters.
That's right.
The time has come to move forward. The time has come to stand on my own.
So that I am not a disgrace. I, who carry the blood of those people, will live so that I am not a disgrace. I will live so that I can hold my head high and say I worked hard.
So, just for now... may I cry? I'll stand up and move forward again soon. Just for now—.
"Lariel-sama, it's okay. Everyone around you is crying too. Besides, the Valkyries are surrounding us... you can cry more."
As I cried like a child, I was comforted by the women around me. Even so, the tears would not stop.